I just counted and we own a total of 13 rolling office chairs. That's
a lot of office chairs. Of course, the one I prefer at the moment is
shredded and hideous. It's the ugliest chair of the bunch.
My neck and arm are all out-of-whack from trotting all over NYC with two heavy bags. This chair holds me together best. It's a bit out-of-place in my studio though. So, today, I'm slip-covering it.
No big style-ambition this time. I'll be glad to take it from hideous to mediocre.
Yep, that's exposed foam in the back there.
good luck! the stuffing is coming out in small pieces of our desk chair too...!
Posted by: heather hales | June 07, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Our computer chair seat has rubbed through for the second time. Apparently the last fabric was not strong enough. A slip cover sounds like a good idea.
Posted by: cherrie | June 07, 2009 at 06:40 PM
That's a lot of office chairs!
Posted by: Christina | June 07, 2009 at 06:42 PM
I've got a tutorial I wrote on doing just that! See:
http://candiedfabrics.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/tutorial-recovering-an-office-chair/
for details!
Posted by: Candied Fabrics | June 07, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Your office-chair fabric is way cuter than mine, candied. I just plucked something from the garage. Again, just looking to improve, not impress. Great job on your chair!
Posted by: Heather Bailey | June 07, 2009 at 07:27 PM
And what is that adorable fabric you are using?
Posted by: Melanie | June 07, 2009 at 07:42 PM
Hey. I did a redo on my old icky chair. Just a little slip cover. Makes all the difference in the world. A little lovely goes a long way. At least, that's my take on it. Can't wait to see what you do.
Posted by: Cassie | June 07, 2009 at 08:04 PM
I just discovered your blog and am completely smitten. Thanks for sharing your talent and beauty!
Posted by: Melissa | June 07, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Thanks Melissa! I'm off to see your blog now.
xo--Heather
Posted by: Heather Bailey | June 07, 2009 at 11:02 PM
I love a quick slipcover job :) I have a 3 month old so everything creative I do these days is super quick, haha.
Posted by: Kathlyn | June 08, 2009 at 07:03 AM
Slipcovering is a good idea. I'm glad you mentioned that. I was just shopping for an office chair yesterday and of course was horrified at the thought of an ugle black pleather chair in the office, which also doubles as my sewing room. If you have any tips for how you are making the slip cover, please let me know.
Posted by: Vanessa | June 08, 2009 at 07:04 AM
Slip Covers are the best idea ever. Actually I should probably make a cover for the chair my hubby bought me for Christmas to keep it from going downhill.
Posted by: Lisa | June 08, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Anxious to see your slipcover creation. Will you us quilting weight or home dec weight fabric?
Ellen
Posted by: Nouveau Stitch | June 08, 2009 at 10:43 AM
This fabric is home-dec weight. I don't remember where I got it, but it may have been somewhere as glamorous as walmart. Who knows. It's a big enough piece and was easy to find in the garage.
Posted by: Heather Bailey | June 08, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Oh, I can't wait to see it finished!
Posted by: Rayia | June 08, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Can you believe it, we just bought two office chairs for our girls this afternoon. Bet they don't look half as good as yours will, when it's covered. Sound like a lovely idea. Love that pincushion! Wonderful colours!
Posted by: Sarah | June 09, 2009 at 02:28 AM
With all that fabulous fabric you have that chair will be beautiful!! Show us pictures when you are done!
Posted by: Tiff@ThreePeas | June 09, 2009 at 06:07 AM
I was just looking at my old ragged office chair and thinking I needed an upgrade! Recovering it never occurred to me, thanks!
Posted by: amy | June 09, 2009 at 06:14 AM
It is important to have a comfy chair to work it!
I watched your yo yo tutorial and your knot one as well. They are both so clear and lovely. Thank you for sharing so generously. Also I was strolling through your tool section, I completely enjoyed my look around.
You have a lovely blog!
Posted by: Tammie | June 09, 2009 at 01:07 PM
You'll do it, no probs and it'll look as nice as everything else you do. Answered your last post too (finally...)and you do not want to see the state of our office chair.. seriously !! (and no, I'm not covering, going to be brave and cut up all that lovely fabric eeek... but am sure Dana at Old Red Barn knows what she is doing and it'll come out ok..)
Posted by: Rafael's mum | June 09, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Cute fabric and I love that pincushion too! I wanted to tell you that I’m hosting an incredible giveaway for a $195 EZ View Desktop on my blog. Come on over and enter!
Posted by: Rachelle | June 09, 2009 at 03:09 PM
My mom & I redid my favorite chair- it was simple and made a big difference.
Love the pincushion and pins!
Posted by: Bunny | June 10, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Can't wait to see your finished chair. I just clicked through making your knot. I love it. I do the one where you wrap it around your finger and pull. I can't wait to try yours - it looks much more fun than the way I was taught! I love your blog. The colors are so happy!
Posted by: Beverly Atkins | June 10, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Hi Heather, can't wait to see what you come up with, i'm sure it will be great!. Love the tomato pincushion with " a la Heather flair"? I love the stem idea is this your creation? lovely!
Posted by: SusieQ | June 10, 2009 at 02:28 PM
The uglier the chair, the more you love it. You have just loved it to death, Heather. Are you going to post pictures at all when your chair is finished and mediocre? I love me a mediocre.....everything ;-)
Posted by: Jones-Keeping Up With Mom | June 10, 2009 at 04:52 PM
love the pincushion.... cant wait to see the chair!
Posted by: meg | June 10, 2009 at 07:28 PM
beautiful things!
Posted by: gingerlouiseclothing | June 10, 2009 at 10:14 PM
13 chairs!! wow where do they all go? I still have the same chair I have been using for about 10 years now- still in tact and working fine. I think its time for a yard sale w/ all those extra ones you have!
Posted by: ellen Crimi-Trent | June 11, 2009 at 09:20 AM
test
Posted by: emily | June 11, 2009 at 10:45 AM
13 office chairs is actually not much when you think about it. I think it is cool. Visit me at my blog.
www.fromlittlethings-cate.blogspot.com
I am on blogger, a different blogging sight.
Posted by: From Little Things | June 11, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Ooo! I like that yellow fabric!
I'm sad that I missed your giveaway. I would've liked anything you would send me! (strawberry pincusion, yum!) oh well...
I'm having a giveaway on my blog right now if you want to come check it out.
:) Missy
Posted by: Missy Hollenbeck | June 11, 2009 at 03:46 PM
ah! my mom had a pincusion like this, but not nearly as cute!
Posted by: kelley@myislandwedding | June 11, 2009 at 04:36 PM
The best office chair we have was bought way-used from Chrysler Air-Temp when they closed up shop in the late 70's in Dayton, OH. (That was part of the 'rustbelt' recession that lasted for years, if you want to compare your recessions!) Based on style and color (aqua/lt. turquoise) I am guessing it was 'new' back in early 60's. It was made by Doerner-Faultless in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Nothing beats a professional chair - mine is a secretarial version and inspires good posture. The new stuff sold in stores is a joke. We have had other chairs come and go but this one STAYS! And yes - It too could use a face-lift.
Posted by: bernadette | June 12, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Oops- Looks like just the CASTERS on my chair are by Faultless!
Posted by: bernadette | June 12, 2009 at 12:36 PM
I bet your chair will look lovely w/a slip cover on it. Can't wait to see a picture of it when it's done.
Shannon
Posted by: lilyhaven | June 13, 2009 at 06:08 PM
SusieQ - Yes, the tomato pincushion is included in my Fresh Picked Pincushions sewing pattern. It's a fun, classy design & easy to make.
And, thanks everyone. I'll definitely show the finished project. Isaac convinced me to go camping instead of finishing my chair refashion this week. I'll wrap it up here soon and post a photo.
Posted by: Heather Bailey | June 14, 2009 at 01:38 PM
I can't wait to see your chair cover! I'm sure it will be gorgeous. I recently recovered my office chair also! It was so much easier than I expected! There are some pics on my blog (scroll down the page).
Posted by: Liz | June 16, 2009 at 09:39 AM
oops- apparently I have bad html skills :) http://elily00.wordpress.com/about/
Posted by: Liz | June 16, 2009 at 09:40 AM
I just wanted to say that I love your work. I am really into recycling used material, no matter what it might be. My husband recent purchased a 24ft Uhaul box truck for me. I have taken the box off and turned it into my own little work place for the things that I create!
Posted by: Ashleigh | June 17, 2009 at 02:35 PM
Wooohooooo! I just checked out your instructions on your favorite knot!!! How great is it! I absolutely adore the process of making it.....my one & only son just took up hand sewing, out of his own volition......he cuts up patches to hand sew on plain t-shirts.....he will absolutely love the knot! Thank you so much...I was actually looking for your pin cushion patterns....but had to let you know about the knot....Thank you again, my day is made - can not wait to show my son the perfect knot.
Posted by: Ruth Tortorici | June 18, 2009 at 03:51 PM
Shoot. Guess what I just discovered in the backyard. This tomato pincushion -- all chewed up by the dogs. Dang it.
Posted by: Heather Bailey | June 30, 2009 at 03:20 AM